How to Grow Pumpkins
There's something special about pumpkins. Everybody loves pumpkins. People
are fascinated by them. It is the only fruit or vegetable that people play
with, and we do so in a big way. And, every gardener loves to grow pumpkins.
Many people do not believe they have the space. But read on. You will be
pleasantly surprised to discover that you can be growing pumpkins in very
small and unique places.
Varieties of Pumpkins:
There are literally hundreds of varieties of pumpkins, from the small miniatures
which only weigh a couple of ounces, to the giant varieties that routinely
show up at fall weighoffs at 1,000 pounds and more!
See
the world record giant pumpkin
Pumpkins belong to the "Curcurbita" family. There are a wide range of varieties
falling into these categories:
Cucurbita Moschata-- This group of primarily squash includes the pumpkins
frequently used for commercially canned pumpkins. Commercial pumpkin varieties
usually have a tan-colored skin.
Cucurbita Pepo- These are the Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins you carve on
Halloween, as well as the cute little miniature pumpkins that fit in the
palm of your hand. Some of the most popular varieties include:
Cucurbita Maxima- Maxima, as it's name implies, are the giant pumpkins.
Giant pumpkin growing has become a very popular hobby. Giant pumpkin growers
are among the most devoted, and perhaps fanatical of gardeners. Popular giant
pumpkin varieties include:
-
Atlantic Giant pumpkin
-
Big Max pumpkins
Buy giant pumpkin seeds
Days to Maturity:
Days to maturity varies widely, depending upon variety. Plan 90-100 days
for miniature pumpkins, 100-120 days for Jack O'Lanterns and 130-160 days
for giant pumpkins.
How to Grow Pumpkins:
Pumpkin plants can be started indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date
in your area. Or, pumpkin seeds can be direct seeded into your garden. Plant
these tender annuals outdoors after the last frost date for your area.
Pumpkins are vining plants that can quickly spread very far. Follow the spacing
directions on the packet. They can vary significantly variety. Water well
after planting, and a second time two to four days later, only if there has
been no rain.
Pumpkin seeds can be planted in hills four to six feet apart Sow four to
six seeds per hill, thinning to two to three. Or, plant in rows six inches
apart, thinning to 1 to 3 feet apart, depending upon how much space you have.
Plant miniatures closer, and Giants farther apart.
Pumpkins are big feeders. They prefer a very rich soil, with lots of
compost and manure (if you can get it). Fertilize on a regular basis. Use
a high nitrogen formula in early plant growth. Switch over to a fertilizer
high in Phosphorous (the middle number) just before the blooming period.
On occasion, pollination can be a problem. For tips and information on
pollination, see:
Pumpkins also need lots of water. Try to keep the soil moist, not wet, at
all times. It is also important to avoid getting the leaves wet, if possible.
Heat and humidity is the perfect ingredient for powdery mildew, a major problem
for your pumpkin patch. Also, avoid watering near dark.
Is your garden space limited? When it come to growing pumpkins,
where there's a will, there's a way. Let the vines grow across the lawn or
sidewalk. It's only for a few weeks. You might be amazed at some of the places
that people have grown pumpkins. We received an email from a woman in Los
Angeles. She was growing pumpkins on the rooftop of a high-rise apartment,
inside of an old kiddie pool. Growing pumpkins in big 5-10 gallon buckets
is possible. Try miniature varieties and let them hang off the deck.
It's easy to tell when a pumpkin is ripe. It turns a bright orange. Pick
them when ripe, and put them somewhere in or around the house where they
can glow!
Tip: The stem gives pumpkins character. Use a sharp knife to cut the
stem. And, never carry a pumpkin by the stem, as it can break.
See more Pumpkin Picking Tips
Insects and Pests:
Gardeners love pumpkins. Insects and a wide variety of pests love 'em, too.
The most common insects are Cucumber beetles, squash vine borers and squash
bugs. Dusting or spraying regularly before an infestation occurs, is recommended.
Squash Vine Borers (SVB's) are a serious problem in some areas. SVB's bore
into the vine, and eats the vine from the inside out. Untreated, it ends
your season. More on Squash Vine
Borers.
Among the animals that love pumpkins (either the plants or the fruit) are
bunnies, woodchuck, squirrels and deer. Use animal repellent like pepper
and garlic sprays as needed. More on sprays.
Pumpkin Plant Diseases:
A variety of diseases affect pumpkins, most notable is powdery mildew. Apply
fungicides at the first sign of a problem. Better still, apply them before
plant disease problems occur. Hot, humid weather encourages pumpkin diseases.
Tip: Allow enough time after watering for the leaves to dry before
evening. Water on the leaves in warm weather encourages plant disease.
Hardiness:
Pumpkins are tender annuals. Protect them from frost and cold weather both
spring and fall. Weather below 50 degrees will slow or even stunt their growth.
Pumpkin Recipes:
Pumpkin Puree - make your own puree.
There's none better!
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Zucchini Nut Bread
Pumpkin
Recipes Galore at Pumpkin Nook
More Information:
Pumpkin Nook is the internet authority
on pumpkins. From how to grow, to recipes and history, it's all there.
Jack B. Little Pumpkins
How
to Grow Big Pumpkins -and small ones, too.
Pumpkin On a Stick!? Perhaps.......
Buy Pumpkin Seeds - big and small, giants, too. |
